Reverend Clifford L. "Cliff" Kissinger, 91, of Springfield, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Villa of Springfield.

He was born March 27, 1927 in Culver, Indiana, the son of James and Cynthia (Anderson) Kissinger. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Cliff loved sharing the word of the Lord as a pastor to many churches in Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia and Ohio throughout his 60 years of service.

Cliff was passionate about youth ministry and building the youth up through the church, and was a mentor to not only the members of his congregations, but also men and women who followed in his footsteps and became pastors themselves. Locally, he served for 10 years at Bethel Baptist Church in Springfield and from 1969-1979 at the First Baptist Church of Urbana where he was named Pastor Emeritus after his retirement. In addition, Cliff also served as interim pastor at Myrtle Tree Baptist Church in St. Paris and Kingscreek Baptist Church in Urbana. He later served as Chaplain at Vancrest Nursing Home in Urbana, as well as running a ministry blog.

Most of all, his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a true "people person" with an incredible sense of humor and a gentle, kind and caring soul. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the opportunity to know and love him.